Navigating a traffic roundabout isn't difficult

I question the efficacy of roundabouts. Perhaps they seem "European," which is somehow "better" than American. Still, it looks as if more and more are going to be built.

In any case, the real problem is that drivers don't know how to navigate a roundabout: towns install them and assume drivers will know how to use them. Here's how to properly navigate a roundabout (from www.wsdot.wa.gov/safety/roundabouts/) :

As you approach a roundabout, you will see a yellow "roundabout ahead" sign with an advisory speed limit for the roundabout. Slow down as you approach the roundabout, and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Continue toward the roundabout and look to your left as you near the yield sign and dashed yield line at the entrance to the roundabout. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you may enter without yielding (or stopping).

Look for pedestrians and use your turn signal before you exit, and make sure to stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.

Nancy Shinn, Asheville

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Navigating a traffic roundabout isn't difficult

I question the efficacy of roundabouts. Perhaps they seem 'European,' which is somehow 'better' than American. Still, it looks as if more and more are going to be built.